While economic activity has recently picked up in Laos, the rising cost of living is having a widespread negative impact, with poorer families most severely affected, a World Bank survey released in May shows.
Get Ready for More Magic at 7-Eleven: New Limited-Edition Disney 100th Anniversary Items Join Latest “Match & Go” Collectible Programme
New batch of must-have items added to the talk-of-the-town collection include a series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-up Lanyard Sets, Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats, Pop-up Ears Umbrellas and Foldable Storage Box Set
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 May 2023 – 7-Eleven launched its exclusive “Match & Go” Collectible Programme in late April to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary. This unique collection brings together eight excellent quality and great value 3-in-1 Match & Go Sets featuring eight beloved Disney and Pixar characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Sulley, Edna Mode, Chip ‘n Dale, Stitch, Lotso and Alien. The collection has been incredibly popular, and 7-Eleven is excited to announce that more surprises on their way with the launch of more exciting items as part of its Match & Go collection. These include a series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Sets, Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats, Pop-up Ears Umbrellas and a Foldable Storage Box Set. Practical yet stylish, this new batch of items will drop at 7-Eleven on 10 May in limited quantities. Don’t miss your chance to bring the magic of Disney home and share it with your loved ones!

Match & Go with this cute yet practical series of four Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Sets!
Four different styles are available featuring some of your favourite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Chip ‘n Dale, Stitch, Donald Duck, Alien, Sulley, Lotso and Edna Mode! And the best part? You can take themEwith you on all your adventures!
Each Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set includes three cool accessories: a cord phone strap, a pompom charm, and two Disney character clips. And with four different colour straps available, you can mix and match to create a variety of awesome looks for any occasion. This phone lanyard is not only stylish, but practical too. It can be extended up to 160cm and adjusted to your preferred length for convenient neck or cross-body use. This makes it perfect for anyone, regardless of body type or style preference. What’s more, you can also pair and attach the accessories from your 3-in-1 Match & Go Sets for even more fun and fashion possibilities. Just clip them on and you’re good to go!
Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set Product Details:
1. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Mickey Mouse and Chip ‘n Dale
Get ready to mix it up with Mickey and Chip ‘n Dale! This lanyard set is the perfect way to add a little personality to your style. The black cord strap with its red stripe pattern and red pom-pom charm is great for dark and stylish outfits. Plus, the two clips are compatible with most phone cases, so you can keep switching up your look with either design. Complete the look and pair with accessories from your 3-in-1 Match & Go Set for the ultimate fashion statement! |
2. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Stitch and Donald Duck
Stitch and Donald Duck both love blue, so the cord phone strap comes in a light blue with white stripes and a turquoise pom-pom charm, perfect for both men and women. The clips will not interfere when you need to charge your phone and the 7mm thick cord strap is more than sturdy enough to hang the pouch of your 3-in-1 Match & Go Set from. From now on, you can carry your tissues, phone and more together without worry! |
3. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Alien and Sulley
Alien and Sulley feature in this lovely purple set, accented with blue stripes and a pink pom-pom for a bright and colourful look. The set pairs perfectly with the 3-in-1 Match & Go Set for a cute yet practical addition to your travel, hiking or outdoor gear. With this set, you’ll always have your favourite characters by your side! |
4. Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set — Lotso and Edna Mode
This set features a sweet macaron pink and purple colour scheme that is sure to be popular with anyone who loves all things cute! It comes with two different character clips, Lotso and Edna Mode, that add a touch of personality. When it’s time to go out for lunch, simply attach the lightweight card holder from the 3-in-1 Match & Go Set to the cord strap, and easily store your Octopus card and credit cards inside! This must-have set is super convenient and practical for anyone always on the go. |
CAUTION
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Limited Edition Mix-It-Up Lanyard Set Collectible Programme details:
Stamp distribution details: Redemption details: Exclusive yuu Member Offer: |
Have fun with four Disney characters on these two cute Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hats!
When it comes to spring and summer days out, these two “Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hats” are simply a must-have! The designs of the two hats feature four lovely Disney characters: Lotso, Sulley, Stitch, and Alien. The bucket hats are reversible, with different characters and colours on each side. One side features the pop-up ear design, while the other side is decorated with an embroidered patch. Simply flip the hat to switch designs depending on your mood or outfit – you’ve got two hats in one! The hats are made from 100% polyester and have a circumference of approximately 59cm. They’re super practical and suitable for all, regardless of gender, and can be paired with a variety of outfits.
Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat Product Details:
1. Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat — Lotso and Sulley
One side of the bucket hat comes in Lotso’s iconic pink colour and features his mischievous pop-up ears, ideal for bold outfits, going to parties, or visiting theme parks. The other side is in a simple Japanese-style beige with a cute, embroidered patch, offering a subtle yet adorable look that will go with a variety of different outfits. With one hat offering two completely different styles, it’s definitely a high-quality, great value choice. |
2. Pop-up Reversible Bucket Hat — Stitch and Alien
Want to hang out with Stitch and have Alien by your side? Simply flip this bucket to make both dreams come true! The reversible design features both iconic characters – one side showcasing Stitch’s playful expression and signature blue colour, complete with his adorable long ears. The other side comes in a low-key navy blue and decorated with an embroidered patch of Alien, perfect for pairing with dark or denim outfits. This hat will be sure to complete your look! |
CAUTION
This is not a toy. Not suitable for children under 4 years old. USE AND CARE
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Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hat Redemption Details: From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Pop-up Ears Reversible Bucket Hat for $89 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $35. Customers can choose their favourite design. Limited quantity, while stocks last. |
Alien and Chip ‘n Dale Pop-up Ears Umbrellas – your best friend, rain or shine!
Chip ‘n Dale and Alien transform into two Pop-up Ear Umbrellas – to accompany you on both rainy and sunny days! These long umbrellas provide UV protection and have a J-shaped handle. The bright blue and green of Alien’s umbrella will turn heads, together with its pop-up Alien motif on the top, making it super cute. The earth-toned Chip ‘n Dale umbrella also features a pop-up motif of Chip ‘n Dale, with their ears sticking up for an extra adorable touch. These umbrellas score high in both quality and style, making them a must-have for all Disney fans!
Pop-up Ears Umbrella Product Details:
1. Pop-up Ears Umbrella – Alien
This design comes in an eye-catching blue and green colour scheme with multiple images of Alien printed on the canopy. The top of the umbrella features a pop-up Alien motif, which makes the umbrella stand out even more and fun to use even on rainy days. |
2. Pop-up Ears Umbrella – Chip ‘n Dale
Featuring earthy tones, this Chip ‘n Dale design umbrella has the images of your favourite chipmunks and an array of acorns printed on its surface. The umbrella also features a pop-up Chip ‘n Dale motif on top of the canopy, which will definitely turn heads on rainy days. |
CAUTION
USE AND CARE
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Pop-up Ears Umbrella Redemption Details: From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Pop-up Ears Umbrella for $149 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $95. Customers can choose their favourite design. Limited quantity, while stocks last. |
Keep your home tidy with the Foldable Storage Box Set
Got a lot of clutter at home but don’t know where to start organising? The Foldable Storage Box Set includes three colourful boxes featuring Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Chip ‘n Dale designs in two different sizes, perfect for little ones to organise their toys and belongings. The boxes can be neatly stacked, or the two small boxes can be placed on top of the larger one for even more convenient storage. With handles on either end, they are easy to carry and save space. A new household essential to keep things neat and tidy!
Foldable Storage Box Set Product Details:
1. Foldable Storage Box – Chip ‘n Dale
With its brown colour scheme, this storage box is ideal for storing clothes. This larger-sized box measures approximately 37.5cm in length, 27.5cm in width, and 12cm in height, and can be stacked as needed depending on the available space. 2. Foldable Storage Box – Monsters, Inc. 3. Foldable Storage Box – Toy Story With a red, yellow and orange colour scheme, this box features Lotso and Forky from Toy Story. Measuring approximately 27.6cm in length, 18.8cm in width, and 12cm in height, it is foldable for easy storage, and can hold a variety of items, such as building blocks, toys and books |
CAUTION
USE AND CARE
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Foldable Storage Box Set Redemption Details: From 10 May (7am) to 9 June 2023 with any purchase#, customers can redeem one Foldable Storage Box Set for $199 or 9,000 yuu Points plus $139. Limited quantity, while stocks last. |
* Transactions at Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre, Team Disney, Hong Kong Disney Resort stores and Hong Kong Disney Resort Food Kiosk are excluded.
#Excluding the purchase of cigarettes, milk powder, diapers, collectible programme redemption items, online game cards, mobile prepaid sim/mobile sim cards/value-added coupons, Octopus cards/products, Macau Pass cards/products, gift cards, prepaid cards, admission tickets/tickets/stamps, and plastic shopping bag charges. Also excluding payment for the following services including but not limited to: Octopus last 10 transactions printout, prepayment, Pin-On-Receipt, bill payment, donation, top up (including but not limited to Octopus, Macau Pass/MPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Tap & Go, TNG and other e-wallets), fax & photocopying, mobile phone charging services, parcel pick-up and return, locker services, parking fee payment, Inspiration Lake activities, self-service laundry etc. For more details, please visit our website.Hashtag: #7ElevenHK #Disney100
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lao Government Issues 21,000 Land Deeds in 2022
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced the total revenue generated from land deed issuance in the past year at the annual summary meeting in Vientiane Capital on 4 May.
Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Announces 2023 Fellow, 12 Early-Career Scientists from the Asian Region
The field of Life Science is characterized by an ongoing pursuit of innovative research that addresses various biological and medical challenges. In this context, four prominent young scientists, from mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong S.A.R., have been selected to receive support for their respective research endeavors.

Daishi Fujita, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan
Takaaki Yasuhara, The University of Tokyo, Japan
Ho Ko, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
(left to right)
Dr. Peng Du‘s work focuses on generating totipotent cells capable of generating both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This research is expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of the stem cell field, which holds immense potential for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. Dr. Daishi Fujita, on the other hand, will be exploring the application of his method of autonomous assembly of artificial structures to trap transiently interacting proteins or their active form for structural analysis. This research could provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying protein-protein interactions, which play critical roles in various biological processes. Dr. Takaaki Yasuhara‘s research aims to define how, when, and where the first events of chromosomal translocations occur. This study has the potential to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of diseases such as cancer and could lead to the development of novel therapies for their treatment. Dr. Ho Ko‘s research is centered around targeting a brainstem-hypothalamus neural circuit to extend health span based on his pioneering work in uncovering the fundamental rules governing the functional organization of synaptic connections. This research could lead to new interventions that promote healthy aging, a critical goal in our society as the global population ages.
Physical Sciences comprises of a wide range of research that seeks to deepen our understanding of the natural world and provide insights that can be applied in engineering, medicine, and technology. Four distinguished young scientists from Hong Kong SAR., Mainland China, Japan, and Singapore have been selected as recipients of the Fellowship.

Yue Gao, Fudan University, China
Tomoki Ozawa, Tohoku University, Japan
Huaxing Zhu, Zhejiang University, China
(left to right)

Kyeongsu Choi, Korea Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS), Korea
Hao Chen, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR., China
Reza Shokri, National University of Singapore, Singapore
(left to right)
In Mathematics, Dr. Yao Yao‘s research mainly revolving around the particle differential equations, fluid dynamics, and mathematical biology. This research is expected to contribute to modern applied analysis and continually discover in addressing challenging questions that arise in fluid mechanics and mathematical biology. Dr. Kyeongsu Choi conducts research in geometric analysis that has been selected as a prominent candidate for his research on the classification of ancient solutions to geometric flows. This research has enormous potential to advance the understanding of singularities for geometric flows.
In Computer Science, Dr. Hao Chen engages the research of trustworthy artificial intelligence, medical image analysis, deep learning, and healthcare. This research has the potential to contribute to the development of medical imaging and analysis techniques using machine learning. This could lead to the exploration of trustworthy AI technologies for medical imaging and analysis. Dr. Reza Shokri‘s research are centered on data protection and privacy, as well as trustworthy machine learning. This research has the potential to contribute to the algorithmic foundations of data protection and privacy, which could pave the way for the development of privacy protection mechanisms at scale and the design of trustworthy and privacy-preserving algorithms for decision-making.
Asian Young Science Fellowship (AYSF) is a privately funded research fellowship in the Asian region. It was launched in 2022 to encourage and support young scientists in Asia to conduct creative and transformative research, as well as providing long-term support to talented scientists at the early stage of their careers. Eligible candidates must be within 10 years post-completion of the terminal (Ph.D./MD) degree and have a full-time position at universities and academic research institutions. Furthermore, AYSF aims to create a community that promotes explorative thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, international exchanges, and mentorship.
The Selection Committee, comprised of highly regarded and esteemed scientists from Asia and the global scientific community, facilitates the process of recognizing outstanding researchers for their research potential. Candidates for the Fellowship are identified through nominations by deans and heads of the department at universities and research institutes across Asia. Candidates are then required to submit an application to participate in a rigorous reviewing process. Professor Hong Wu at Peking University, Professor Hong Ding at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Professor Katsushi Ikeuchi at the University of Tokyo respectively chaired the committee in Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics & Computer Science during the selection process of the 2023 Fellows.
Each fellow in AYSF will receive $100,000 USD over a two-year term to be spent on expenses supportive of their research. The funding is supported by individual donors who are leading venture capitalists in Asia. The initiation of the Fellowship is a pioneering effort to accelerate the advancement of science through philanthropy.
These twelve fellows will gather in Hong Kong on 16 October 2023 at the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship Annual Conference to introduce their research work in length to a public-oriented audience. The close workshops will be held for young scientists to discuss solutions of big issues about facing humanity jointly with world-renowned scientists.
For more information about the 2023 Fellows and the Annual Conference will be updated on the Asian Young Scientist Fellowship official website (www.aysfellowship.org).Hashtag: #AYSF #Science
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dear Reality releases new EXOVERB MICRO reverb plugin
Your entryway into a new level of spatial perception
BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 9 May 2023 – Elevate your stereo mix with EXOVERB MICRO, Dear Reality’s latest realistic and spacious reverb plugin for stereo production. The compact audio plugin packs a punch, powered by the same proprietary reverb engine as its bigger brother, EXOVERB. Choose from eight expertly hand-crafted acoustic scenes for a truly authentic sound, empowering any modern audio production. Streamline your mixing process with the intuitive triangle pad to perfectly balance late reverberation, early reflections, and dry signals.

EXOVERB MICRO provides the perfect entryway into spacious reverb, offering a selection of EXOVERB’s eight most-loved acoustic presets from four categories: Ambiences, Rooms, Halls, and Plates. Each acoustic scene is based on multiple synthesized impulse responses (IRs) developed with Dear Reality’s proprietary software, allowing you to create rich reverb effects that perfectly match the needs of your mix. Whether you’re looking for a subtle drum room or a deep plate for vocals, EXOVERB MICRO has got you covered.
“With EXOVERB MICRO, we want to enable everyone to benefit from the latest reverb technology,” explains Felix Lau, Product Owner at Dear Reality, adding that “EXOVERB MICRO’s easy-to-use interface with the triangle pad offers a perfect starting point for modern music and postproduction.” The results are natural reverbs with three-dimensional depth perception on all stereo playback systems – both speakers and headphones.

EXOVERB MICRO features a user-friendly interface that makes adding just the right amount of reverb to any mix as easy as you can imagine. Using the triangle pad, you can simply balance early reflections, late reverberation, and dry signals to create the perfect sound. And like its big brother, EXOVERB MICRO provides instant access to essential parameters like Pre-Delay and Decay without complicated menus or sub-menus. With EXOVERB MICRO, you’ll get all the power and versatility of a professional reverb tool in a compact, easy-to-use plugin.
EXOVERB MICRO is available now in the Dear Reality store.
Hashtag: #Sennheiser #DearReality #Reverb #Plugin
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dear Reality
Dear Reality is a leading company in the field of immersive audio controllers, best known for its binaural, Ambisonics, and multi-channel encoders with totally realistic room virtualization. The company’s products are used worldwide by sound engineers, sound designers, broadcasters, and musicians. Founded in 2014 by Achim Fell and Christian Sander, Dear Reality strives to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge 3D audio software for interactive and linear audio production. Since 2019, Dear Reality has been proud to be a part of the Sennheiser Group.
Lao Prime Minister to Attend 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia This Month
Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation will attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, scheduled to take place on May 9-11.
Sokxay Group Gets Appointed as Sales Representative for Dao Coffee
The Sokxay Group has become the sales representative of Dao Coffee after both companies signed a contract to this effect on 5 May.
Lao Athletes Make Waves at SEA Games With Impressive Medal Tally

Lao athletes have been racking up more and more medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the country’s medal tally grew to an impressive 38 on 9 May.